Kerala: Coast Guard continues its rescue mission for 4 missing fishermen off Munambam

Kochi (Kerala) [India], October 6 (ANI): The Indian Coast Guard on Friday continued its Rescue Mission off Munambam beach for the four missing fishermen whose boat capsized in the sea Thursday night, said Coast Guard officials.

The boat was carrying seven fishermen and after the boat capsized three of the drowning fishermen were immediately saved by a Fishing Boat operating in the vicinity, however, four fishermen went missing, said officials.

Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (Kochi) was informed of the incident on Thursday night and the Coast Guard started the rescue operation soon after. The boat named ‘Nanma’ was returning from Malappuram after collecting fish when the accident happened.

Fast Patrol Vessel Abhinav patrolling on the northern Kerala Coast was diverted to initiate the rescue operation. Interceptor Boat C-162 was deployed from Kochi in SAR (Search and rescue) configuration to augment the SAR Operation, said the Coast Guard

“To augment the SAR (Search and Rescue Aid Tool) efforts Coast Guard Air assets were deployed at first light on 06th Morning for coordinated sea-air search operation. A Special team of divers is being deployed to augment Search and Rescue Operations,” said a statement issued by the Coast Guard.

“Prevailing Sea and wind conditions are creating hindrances in undertaking SAR operations. Nevertheless, ICG is persistent in her efforts to save distressed fishermen,” the statement added.

The boat carrying seven people overturned around 7 pm on October 5, 10 nautical miles away from Munambam beach, at the north end of Vypin island. The boat named ‘Nanma’ was returning from Malipuram after collecting

fish.

Three men managed to stay afloat by holding on to drinking water cans. They were rescued by another fishing boat.